LYN RUSSELL, CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL CEO Lyn Russell is the Chief Executive Officer for Cairns Regional Council. It is her responsibility to oversee the council’s executive management team and implement adopted council policy and the operational plan. Lyn is a human resources professional and executive with over thirty years professional experience involving work in the private sector, all tiers of government and management consulting.

1. Where do you hail from?

Born in Sydney.

2. What was your first ever job?

Graduate cadet with Grace Bros/Myer.

3. What were you doing when you were 20?

University student.

4. For how many years have you worked in local government?

Since 1992. 18 years!

5. What prompted you to work in local government?

Attracted to a great career opportunity at Brisbane City Council.

6. Do you put butter on the bread before putting the peanut butter on?

Yes

7. What achievement are you most proud of?

Jointly: producing my 3 beautiful daughters AND winning the Telstra Australian Businesswomen of the Year award in 1996.

8. What advice would you give a person starting a career in local government?

Move around, broaden your experience, and be proud to be part of such a great industry.

9. What is the one, single food that you would never give up?

Pancakes with maple syrup.

10. If the world was listening, what would you say?

Be the change you want to see in the world.

11. If you had an opportunity to change careers for a month – what would you do?

Work as an advisor to Barack Obama.

12. If you could live anywhere else in the world where would it be?

On the coast of Cornwall.

13. At the beach would you rather play in the sand, or play in the water?

Water!

14. What great idea or innovation do you wish you had the time to pursue?

None; I’m already pursuing all my great ideas!

15. Who do you aspire to in business or in life?

Anita Roddick of “Body Shop” fame: She was a wonderful role model for women.

16. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?

Falling in love with my husband…I do it again every few years!

17. Who would be on your ultimate dinner-party table of 8?

My husband, 3 daughters, 92 year old mum, brother and sister, and me! (We never get together as we’re all too far flung)

18. Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Prince Edward Island in Canada.

19. Which is your favourite restaurant for that Friday afternoon lunch?

I don’t have time for Friday afternoon lunches!!!!

20. What do you want to be doing when you are 80?

Same as I am now!